Job Summary:
We are seeking skilled carpenters/foreman to join our team. You would be expected to be able to lead a crew of 1-3 others or work on your own as necessary. While we do various construction projects, our primary focus is composite and PVC decks, and that would be the majority of what you will be doing. We also install high end floating stair systems that incorporate cable and glass railing systems, and do various other projects, especially in the winter.
The ideal candidate will be a capable leader, able to follow blueprints, have experience leading crews and being the person responsible onsite for the project, and be a self starter and problem solver. They will also have experience in deck building and interior finish carpentry specifically, and have a well rounded understanding of construction processes in general. This is a hands-on role that requires proficiency with a variety of hand and power tools, as well as the ability to lift heavy items (50 - 100 pounds) and handle physical work (digging post holes, setting posts, lifting steel stingers, etc.), and to be comfortable working on ladders, second story decks, and occasionally roofs. It also requires the ability and capacity to drive to various jobsites for work. While we do our best to keep our projects within a one hour radius, we do projects further away than that sometimes. Drive time (and mileage reimbursement when applicable) is paid for projects that are further away.
This position will operate on a 4 day work week, although we do occasionally work 5 days as necessary. Typically that is a Monday - Thursday schedule, although with our work being primarily outdoor, it will be flexible based on the weather. The pay range posted would be a base salary. We have systems in place to track productivity on a per project basis, and if you hit certain production and profitability benchmarks, there are additional bonuses available. Details on this and other details pertaining to paid time off and any other benefits offered will be discussed when an actual job offer is made.
If you are serious about this position and want your application considered, please read this entire job posting. Thank you!
About Keystone Contracting
Keystone Contracting was founded in 2019 with a simple but meaningful idea behind its name. In traditional stone arch construction, the “keystone” is the final piece placed at the top of the arch. It is the component that locks everything together, distributing weight and giving the entire structure its strength. Without the keystone, the arch cannot stand.
That concept is at the core of who we are as a company.
At Keystone Contracting, we believe that every part of a project—and every member of a team—plays a critical role in the final outcome. No detail is insignificant. No role is disposable. When each piece is installed with care, precision, and accountability, the finished product is strong, reliable, and built to last.
This has and still does directly influence the type of work that we gravitate towards as a Company. We aim to do work that is top notch, high end, and fitting into the “Last Piece” and “Final Touch” model. This means we strive to leave everything we do as if we will be the final people to touch it. We do not rely on others to clean up our mistakes!
My background in my teen years was primarily finished carpentry and cabinetry-style work. This carried into my early years in my company doing trim work, kitchens, and high-end stair and railing systems. While the "What" we do has changed slightly and may continue to change over time, the "Why" and "How" remain the same.
Our Beginning
Before starting Keystone Contracting, I spent years working in the trades. I often witnessed the gap firsthand between what the industry actually delivers and what it is capable of delivering. I worked for some excellent companies, and I also worked for some subpar ones that failed to take care of their employees and their clients, and often left a massive wake of unsolved problems for others to try to remedy, long after they had left a job site.
As a hardworking and ambitious young tradesman, I was looking for an environment that valued quality, accountability, and growth. I wanted to be part of a team that took pride in their work and held a higher standard—not just in the finished product, but in how the work got done, and in taking care of the people who did it. When I couldn’t find that opportunity working for other companies, I made the decision to try to create it. Keystone Contracting was built to be that company.
As an employee working for others, and even as a new business owner struggling to learn the ropes and survive, I battled against dealing with clients who didn't value what I did. I chaffed under GC's who either ran their own operations poorly, or were out to take everything possible for themselves, apparently with little thought about what was best for their employees or subcontractors or clients. I was involved in and did work for others that I could not be proud of and did not measure up to my standards, while always fighting a never-ending battle to be compensated according to the value that I brought to the company or the job site. In short, I was in search of OPPURTUNITY, and I couldn't find it. So I set out to create it.
What We Stand For
From day one, the goal has been to build more than just decks or structures—we are building a company culture defined by professionalism, pride, and continuous improvement.
We believe in:
Ownership
Every team member is responsible for their work. We don’t pass problems down the line—we solve them.
Quality Over Shortcuts
We do things the right way and with excellent attention to detail, even when it takes more time or effort. Our reputation depends on it.
Accountability
We hold ourselves and each other to a high standard. Mistakes happen, but how we respond to them matters. We are committed to getting better every day—individually and as a team. Skill, efficiency, and leadership are all things we actively develop! Just like the stones that make up an arch, every role matters; not just ours. It only takes one missing block and the whole arch collapses. Success comes from working together and supporting each other on every job.
Growth
We are committed to getting better every day—individually and as a team. Skill, efficiency, and leadership are all things we actively develop!
Work Ethic
We work hard, every single day. We show up on-time or early, we respect our coworkers' time, and we put the effort in to be the best at what we do.
Teamwork
Just like the stones that make up an arch, every role matters; not just ours. It only takes one missing block and the whole arch collapses. Success comes from working together and supporting each other on every job.
Our Expectation
Being part of Keystone Contracting means showing up with the mindset to work hard, improve, and take pride in what you build. We are not just looking for people who can do the work—we are building a team of people who care about doing it well.
Our goal is to create opportunities—for growth, for leadership, and for building a career in the trades that you can be proud of. In return, we expect commitment, accountability, and a willingness to push yourself to new levels and hold yourself to a higher standard.
Looking Forward
Keystone Contracting is still growing, and every project we complete and every team member we add plays a role in shaping the future of the company. The foundation we are building now will determine how strong that future is. Every team member, current and prospective, is evaluated on the basis of 3 questions. Do you GET IT, do you WANT IT, and do you have the CAPACITY for it. These are questions you should be prepared to answer and elaborate on in your interview(s).
Team Member Screening - We require rigorous screening on all applicants before making a final job offer. This includes passing the following screenings:
- Motor vehicle report (we require proof of a valid driver’s license and will review past driving records)
- County/State/National criminal background check
- Credit report screening
- Substance-abuse screening
Requirements:
- Valid drivers license and reliable transportation
- Minimum of 5 years of residential carpentry experience, with experience building decks. More experience is preferred. Skill is more important than actual time worked.
- Have your own hand tools (Tape measure; hammer; speed square; drill, impact driver, and bits; chalk line; tool bags. Having more tools is a plus.)
- Attention to Detail
- Dependable
- Adaptable/Flexible - able to adapt schedule and availability to weather and project schedules and deadlines.
- Physical strength (Able to lift up to 100 pounds when necessary)
- Ability to work at heights
- Safety conscious
- Agreement to comply with No Smoking or Vaping policy (applies to all job sites, company vehicles, and company property)
- Ability to work as a Team
- Safe driver with clean driving record. Position may include a company truck at some point.
Duties:
- Build decks. This is primarily composite and PVC decks, but a few wood decks as well, and installing various kinds of handrail systems.
- Finished carpentry. Most of our decks require a high level of finish work, and we also do some finished interior work as well, especially during the winter.
- Help out on stair and railing installations.
- Demolition
- Be willing to help out, and if necessary learn new skills, on various other construction projects as the need arises
- Have reliable transportation to drive to the jobsite everyday
- Be capable of working alone. This will include having your own basic tools (tape measure; hammer; impact, drill, and bit set; tool bags; etc)
Experience:
- Proven experience in construction projects (Preferably at least 10 years of experience in residential carpentry. Skill level is more important than actual years of experience.)
Skills:
- Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship!
- Proficiency in using a variety of hand and power tools
- Excellent problem solving skills to overcome project challenges
- Basic leadership abilities (able to effectively manage yourself and at least 1-2 helpers)
- Understanding of the general best practices within construction and how to implement them
- Read blueprints and design documents and be able to plan & execute construction operations based on the prints
- Assist with creating, revising, and following standard operating procedures
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned. If you have read this entire post, please include at least a basic personalized message with your application, and start that message with #opportunity. Thank you!
Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30.0 – 50.0 per week
Benefits:
Experience:
- Residential construction: 10 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Traverse City, MI 49696 (Required)
Work Location: In person
